2009 Ford Explorer vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 6,589 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 1089 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1973 Mercury Cougar (375 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Explorer. (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Explorer | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4007 cc | 6589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 375 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 2055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2910 mm |
